Frequently Asked Questions

Check-in and Check-out

What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: 2:00 PM (Early check-in requires prior approval; unauthorized early check-in incurs a minimum $10 fee).
Check-out: 12:00 PM (Late check-out requires prior approval; unauthorized late check-out incurs a minimum $10 fee).

Can we check in early or check out late?
Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on site availability. Please call the office in advance to check. Additional fees will apply.

What if we arrive after office hours?
If you expect to arrive late, please call the office in advance to make arrangements for a late check-in.

Wi-Fi and Cell Service

Is there Wi-Fi at the campground and how is the cell service in the area?
We offer free Wi-Fi for our guests, but please note that speeds will vary, especially on weekends when more people and devices are connected. If multiple users are streaming at the same time, it can slow down the service for everyone.
Similarly, cell service in the area can be inconsistent. Verizon tends to have the best coverage, but during busy weekends, service may be slower and less reliable. There are also some dead spots in the area where reception may be limited.
We appreciate your understanding and recommend downloading or completing anything important ahead of time if you rely on a strong connection.
To find free public Wi-Fi in Lanesboro, MN, you can check with the Lanesboro Public Library or explore local businesses like Paddle on Coffee that may offer free Wi-Fi.

The Root River State Bike Trail

How do I access the Root River State Bike Trail from the campground?
To access the bike trail between our campground and Whalan, you will need to bike along the highway for a short distance. Please note that this portion of the route is on a public road, and biking on the highway is at your own risk. Additionally, the bike path on our property is gravel and can be loose in some areas. Please bike with caution, as losing control is a possibility. We are not liable for any accidents or injuries while using the bike path or highway.

Are there other ways to access the Root River State Bike Trail where we don’t have to be on the highway?
If you are not comfortable biking on the highway, you are welcome to park in Whalan and begin your ride from there. Alternatively, you can drive to other towns along the Root River State Bike Trail. Please note that we do not offer shuttling services for bicyclists.

Do you have a map of the Root River State Bike Trail?
Yes, we do have free maps available for guests in the campground office.
There is also more information on the trail and a downloadable map here: www.lanesboro.com/root-river-trail

Campfires & Firewood Restrictions

Can we bring in our own firewood?
No, you cannot bring your firewood from home. This is not only the campground’s rule, but a state law designed to prevent the spread of harmful pests, such as emerald ash borer and spongy moth. To help protect our trees from invasive pests and diseases, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture asks guest to not travel with firewood. The only wood allowed is dimensional lumber scraps that are kiln-dried, unpainted, unstained, and free of any metal or foreign substances, or firewood that has been certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Unauthorized firewood will be confiscated and disposed of without reimbursement. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our trees healthy. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground office.
You can find more information on this here: www.mda.state.mn.us

Are campfires allowed?
Yes, campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Fires must be kept under control and never left unattended.

Can we gather wood from around the campground?
No, gathering wood from the campground or surrounding areas is not allowed.

Pet Policies

We welcome pets at our campground, but for the safety and comfort of all guests, we require that pets be leashed while walking and tethered at your campsite. Owners found allowing their dog off-leash will receive one warning. If the issue continues, they will be asked to leave the property.
Pets should never be left unattended.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and properly disposing of waste. Please do not dispose of pet waste in portable toilets—anyone found putting trash in them may be asked to leave the campground.
Please be respectful of other guests and their space— not everyone, including other dogs, are comfortable with unfamiliar pets approaching them.
A minimum $25 fee will be charged for pet-related site damage or waste that is not cleaned up.
For the safety and comfort of all guests, we do not allow dogs that are aggressive or cannot be handled in a public setting. Pet owners are fully responsible for their pet’s behavior, and the campground is not liable for any incidents involving pets.
We strongly recommend that all pets be up to date on their rabies, distemper, and other vaccinations.
Pets are not allowed inside the motel, shower houses or the Eagle’s Nest.

Vehicle & Parking Rules

How many vehicles are allowed per campsite?
One vehicle per campsite for electric, water and electric, and full hookup sites. No parking on no hookup sites (tent-only).
Must follow site directions (e.g., back-in if directed). No “awning-to-awning” parking with campers.
All vehicles must have a campground car pass. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed if they refuse to pay.

Are golf carts, ATVs, UTVs or other motorized vehicles allowed?
Guests are welcome to bring golf carts and bicycles, including e-bikes. All must be operated safely and follow the campground speed limit at all times. For the safety of everyone, anyone observed driving at excessive speeds will receive one warning to slow down. Continued violations may result in being asked to leave the property.
ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, electric dirt bikes, and similar off-road vehicles are not permitted to be operated anywhere on the campground property. These vehicles are only allowed if they remain secured on a trailer throughout your stay.

Do you have electric vehicle (EV) charging stations?
No, we do not have dedicated EV charging stations. Please do not charge vehicles at campsite power hookups.

Visitor Policy

Can we have visitors at our campsite?
Yes, visitors are welcome, but they must check in at the office upon arrival. There is a $3 per adult, $1 per child (5 and under are free) visitor fee, and visitors must leave by 10:00 PM.

Can visitors stay overnight?
Visitors who wish to stay overnight must be included in the reservation and pay the additional per-person fee. Campsites allow a maximum of 6 people.

Site Occupancy

Tent-Only Sites (No Hookups): Maximum 2 tents per site.
Electric, Water & Electric, and Full Hookup Sites: 1 camper & 1 tent allowed.
Full Hookup & Most Water & Electric Sites: No tents-only. Must have camper.
Electric-Only Sites: Tents are allowed.
Maximum of 6 people per site.

Shower House and Facilities

Why isn’t there a shower house in section B and C?
A portion of our campground is located in a floodplain, which means it is prone to occasional flooding. Because of this, we are unable to build permanent structures, including restrooms or shower houses, in these areas. Guests staying in these sites will need to use one of our shower houses, which are located on higher ground for protection from flooding. For added convenience, we also provide portable toilets in these areas. We understand this may be less convenient, but it allows us to keep these beautiful riverside sites available while ensuring guest safety and compliance with regulations.

Why are the showers quarter-operated?
Our shower houses are equipped with quarter-operated showers to help conserve water and reduce waste. This system ensures that water usage stays efficient, allowing us to maintain clean and reliable facilities for all guests. One quarter lasts 4 minutes, two quarters give 8 minutes, and three quarters provide 12 minutes. Showers must stop before adding more quarters. We recommend bringing quarters for your convenience, but if you need them, we can exchange cash for quarters at the office. Our goal is not to charge extra but to encourage responsible water use so we can continue providing a great camping experience for everyone.

Are there laundry machines on site?
Yes, we have two washers, and two dryers located in the Lower Shower House. The entrance is through the center door in the front of the building.
The machines are quarter-operated.The washer costs $1.50 per load and the dryer costs $1.75. We recommend bringing quarters for your convenience, but if you need them, we can exchange cash for quarters at the office.

Fishing

Can I fish on the Root River?
Yes, you can fish on the Root River.
The Root River in Lanesboro, MN, particularly the South Branch, is known for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities, especially for brown trout, with some areas also offering good smallmouth bass fishing. The Root River also supports a variety of other fish species. Here is more information on the fishing on the South Branch of the Root River: www.dnr.state.mn.us
You can find more information on fishing regulations here: www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/
You can purchase a Minnesota fishing license at the Lanesboro BP located at 100 Sheridan St W.
For fly fishing gear, tips, and guided trips, visit Root River Rod Co. in Lanesboro.

Motel

What amenities are included with the motel rooms?
Our motel rooms are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each room features two queen-sized beds, a full bathroom with the toilet and shower in a separate room from the sink vanity, a dresser, TV, and a table with two chairs. For added convenience, rooms also include a mini fridge and microwave combo, a luggage rack, a hair dryer, and a designated space to hang clothing. We provide makeup wipes, hand soap, and body wash in the shower, along with towels and linens. A shoe tray is also available to help keep the room clean. All rooms are climate-controlled with both heat and air conditioning.

How are the rooms laid out in the motel?
Our motel has five rooms, each with individual access from the front of the building. On the ground level, Room 1 is on the bottom left, with Room 2 to its right. Upstairs, Room 5 is the first room at the top of the stairs, followed by Room 4, and Room 3 at the far end. Additionally, the “Upper Shower House” is attached to the motel on the bottom floor, all the way to the right. Its entrances are located on the north side of the building, while the motel room entrances are on the west side.

Campsite Pricing

How does your pricing work?
Our nightly site rates include two adults per site. Additional adults are $6 per adult, per night, and children ages 6-17 are $3 per child, per night. Children 5 and under stay for free. These charges help cover the additional costs associated with more guests and ensure we can manage the number of people on each site. Campsites have a maximum occupancy of six people. If additional guests join your reservation, your total price will be adjusted accordingly. Likewise, if fewer guests arrive than originally reserved, we will update the reservation to reflect the correct number of people.

Reservation Making

When are you allowed to make camping reservations for the next season?
At Eagle Cliff Campground, guests can reserve campsites up to a year in advance, but we give first right of refusal to the current guest for the same weekend the following year. After a guest checks out, we open reservations for that weekend for the following year, and these reservations must be made over the phone.
Please note this is not always possible since dates shift annually, holidays like July 4th and seasonal weekends may not always fall on the same weekend, and leap years can also affect the number of weekends in a month
Our online reservation system allows booking up to 320 days in advance. A one-night deposit is required to secure a reservation. For questions or to book a site, please call us.

Online Reservation System

How does the online reservation system work?
Our online reservation system allows bookings up to 320 days in advance. To begin, enter the dates of your stay and select either motel or campsite. When reserving a campsite, you’ll need to specify the type of camping unit, including details such as length, number of slide-outs, width, and required amp service. The system will then display available sites with green dots based on the information you entered.
Please note that availability is filtered to match your specific camper details and does not reflect all sites that may be open. For example, if you enter a 45-foot Class A motorhome requiring 50-amp service, the system will only show sites that meet those requirements and are open for your entire stay. Other campsites, tent-only sites, and motel rooms will appear as “unavailable,” even if they may be open to other types of reservations. Similarly, tent campers will see all motel rooms, camper-only sites, and reserved tent sites as unavailable. Motel reservations will filter out all campsites and only show open rooms. Because of these filters, the system does not display a full view of all available sites, so if you have questions about availability, feel free to call us.
You can only reserve one site at a time on the reservation system we use. If you have a large number of sites you’d like to reserve and you do not want to go through the hassle of individually reserving them, give us a call and we can assist you.

Quiet Hours

When are quiet hours?
Quiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. During this time, please keep voices, music, and other noise at a respectful level.

Are generators allowed during quiet hours?
No, generators are not allowed to run during quiet hours.

Alcohol & Smoking Policy

Can we bring alcohol to the campground?
Yes, alcohol is allowed at your campsite, but glass bottles and Styrofoam containers are prohibited on the river. Please drink responsibly.

Where can we smoke?
Smoking is not allowed inside any campground buildings, including the office, motel rooms, shower houses, and The Eagle’s Nest. Please be mindful of other guests when smoking outdoors and dispose of cigarette butts properly.

Seasonal Sites

Do you have sites available for the entire summer?
We offer 85+ seasonal campsites, providing a great opportunity for those who want to enjoy the campground all season long. Due to high demand, we maintain a waiting list for these sites. When a site becomes available, we contact individuals on the list. Availability varies from year to year, and securing a site typically takes multiple seasons. Rates vary from season to season, but include water, sewer, and access to our free WiFi. Electric usage is metered and billed separately at the end of the season. If you’re interested in joining the waiting list or would like more details, please call us.

Trash & Recycling

Where do we throw away our trash and recyclables?
For your convenience, we have dumpsters located in two areas of the campground: near the motel/office area and down in Section B. Please place all trash inside the dumpsters.
Recycling is available in the lime green bins near the motel/office dumpsters. Please do not place any recyclables in plastic bags—just empty the items directly into the bins. No trash should go into the recycling bins, and please break down any cardboard before placing it in the bin.
To learn more about what items can be recycled at the campground, visit: www.lrsrecycles.com/recycling101/. Thanks for helping us keep the campground clean and green!

Can we put trash in the portable toilets?
No. Anyone found putting trash in portable toilets may be asked to leave the campground.

Playground

What are the rules for using the playground?
Our playground is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. For safety, children must be supervised by an adult at all times—especially those 8 years old and under. Please no rough play or yelling, and absolutely no rock throwing. The equipment is intended for children 16 and under only. Pets are not allowed on the playground equipment, and glass items are strictly prohibited in the area. Improper use of the equipment, such as climbing on top of structures, is not allowed. We ask that everyone help keep the space clean by picking up after themselves. Thank you for helping make the playground a safe and fun place for all.

Emergency Procedures

What should we do in case of severe weather?
If severe weather is expected, we will do our best to make announcements and notify guests. We recommend seeking shelter in a shower house or other sturdy structure. For weather updates, check your phone or radio.

Is there a first aid station on-site?
We do not have a first aid station, but basic first aid supplies are available for purchase in the office. In case of an emergency, call 911 and notify campground staff.

What do we do if we have a medical emergency?
Call 911 immediately. If possible, also notify campground staff so we can assist.

Swimming

Do you have a swimming pool?
No, we do not have a swimming pool on site. However, we are located right on the Root River and you can swim in the river.

Is there a designated swimming area?
No, we do not have a designated swimming area, and swimming is at your own risk. The river has changing currents and hidden obstacles, so please be cautious.

River Trips and Rentals

How do the river trips work?
At Eagle Cliff Campground, we offer kayak, canoe, and tubing trips along the beautiful Root River. We provide transportation in passenger vans to your trip’s starting point, and you’ll float or paddle back to our private canoe landing at the campground. All river trips leave promptly at the designated times. It is recommended to check in at the office 15 minutes before your departure time. All trips must be paid in full and everyone 18+ must sign a safety waiver prior to departure.

Kayak & Canoe Trips

Choose between two trip lengths:
Short Trip: Starts in Lanesboro (approx. 5 river miles, about 2 hours).
Long Trip: Starts at Moen’s Bridge (approx. 14 river miles, about 4 hours).

Departure Times:
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 AM
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM

Pricing:
Kayak Rental: $30 (short trip) | $35 (long trip)
Canoe Rental: $35 (short trip) | $40 (long trip)
Own Kayak/Canoe Transport: $20 (short trip) | $25 (long trip)

After Your Trip:
Carry rental kayaks and canoes up from the river.
Return paddles and life jackets to the tube shed across from the office and place them outside in the grass.

Trip Duration:
Times are estimates. If you paddle less or take breaks, your trip will take longer. River levels can also impact timing.

Tubing Trips

There is only one tubing trip length, which is almost 4.5 river miles. We drop you off at the County Hwy 250 bridge and you float back to the campground.

Departure Times:
Sunday–Thursday: 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM

Pricing:
Tube Rental: $20 per person
Cooler Tube Rental: $15 per tube
Own Tube Transport: $15 per person

After Your Trip:
Return rental tubes to the tube shed across from the office and place them outside in the grass.

Trip Duration:
The tube trip takes approximately 2–3 hours, but can take longer depending on stops and river flow.

River Trip Reservations

Are reservations required for the river trips and when do we need to book the trips?
Reservations are required for all river trips.
Most campers book at check-in, but non-campers or large groups should call up to 72 hours in advance.
Registration closes an hour prior to departure.
Trips will not run in severe weather or unsafe river conditions (high water or strong currents).
For the safety of our guests, we do not send people out on the river during storms or when water conditions are unsafe due to high or fast-moving currents. If you have a trip booked and severe weather is expected or there has been significant recent rainfall, please check with us before your scheduled departure. We monitor conditions closely and will make decisions based on safety.

Do you have a map of the Root River?
We do not have maps of the Root River, but you can find the map here: dnr.state.mn.us/maps/

We aren’t staying at your campground, but can we use your private landing to enter/exit the river or to fish on on your property?
No, Eagle Cliff Campground is privately owned, and access to our property is reserved for registered guests and those using our outfitting services. For safety and liability reasons, we do not allow anyone who is not renting equipment from us or camping here to use our property for river access. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

River Safety and Requirements

Do we need to wear life jackets on the river trips?
Minnesota law requires children 10 and under to wear a life jacket at all times on the river. Adults in kayaks and canoes must have a life jacket with them. We strongly recommend that any adult who is not a strong swimmer wear a life jacket.

What do you recommend we bring with us on the river trips?
We recommend bringing plenty of water or other beverages to stay hydrated during your river trip. If you plan to make it an all-day activity, consider packing snacks or a meal. To protect yourself from the sun, bring sunscreen, wear a hat, or consider wearing lightweight long sleeves.
Please note that styrofoam and glass are strictly prohibited on all river trips.
If you are bringing children, we recommend bringing their own life jackets if you prefer not to borrow one from us.
We also strongly suggest wearing water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and other unseen objects in the river. If you don’t have water shoes, we offer a variety of sizes for purchase at a reasonable price in the campground office. We do not rent water shoes, as that would be unsanitary.

Do we need to be experienced or physically fit to go kayaking or canoeing on the Root River?
If you have never kayaked or canoed before, we do not recommend starting on a moving river. For safety, beginners should practice on still water before attempting a river trip.
For safety and liability reasons, our river trips require a certain level of physical ability. Participants should be able to paddle, navigate moving water, and enter and exit the river independently. If you have physical limitations that may impact your ability to safely complete the trip, we strongly recommend choosing an alternative activity. Your safety is our top priority.

Are there age restrictions for the river trips?
We do not have age restrictions, but participants must be comfortable on the water. Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding if a river trip is appropriate for their child. While there are no age restrictions, the river has natural hazards, and conditions can vary. Minnesota law requires children 10 and under to wear a life jacket at all times. Please consider your child’s swimming ability, comfort level, and the trip length before participating. All river trips are taken at your own risk and are self-guided.

What is it like to kayak, canoe or tube on the Root River?
The Root River is generally a calm and enjoyable trip, but like any natural waterway, it has obstacles such as rocks, submerged trees, and debris. We encourage all paddlers to stay alert, steer around obstacles, and always wear a life jacket if they are not confident swimmers. As with any outdoor activity, understanding your surroundings and using caution will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Is it safe to bring valuables on the river trips?
We strongly recommend not bringing important items like wallets, keys, phones, or wedding rings on the river. If needed, we can hold your car keys in the office for safekeeping. We recommend you leave the rest of your belongings in your car or at home.

Do we need to wear shoes on the river trips?
We highly recommend wearing water shoes or secure footwear during your river trip. The riverbed has rocks and other natural debris that can be sharp or slippery. For your safety and comfort, avoid going barefoot. If you don’t have water shoes, we sell them in the office for your convenience.”